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Manchester City must beat Bournemouth this evening to give themselves the best chance of qualifying for the Champions League. Pep Guardiola’s side have dropped down to sixth in the Premier League due to other results, while they also come into this game after losing the FA Cup final. A defeat to Crystal Palace at Wembley confirmed that this will be a trophy-less season for Man City, with their last hope for positivity being a top-five finish. But with third to seventh being separated by one point, the run-in is set to be very tense for City, unless they win this clash. Three points would put them in pole position to qualify for the Champions League heading into the final game day of the campaign. City will host Bournemouth on Tuesday, May 20, with kick-off at the Etihad Stadium set for 8pm. However, their penultimate game was originally set to be played last Sunday until there was a change made to the schedule. The fixture was pushed back due to Man City’s involvement in the FA Cup Final. As that game was being played at Wembley on Saturday, Guardiola’s men couldn’t then play on Sunday, so things were shuffled around. Confirming the change at the start of May, the Premier League stated: “Crystal Palace and Manchester City's progress to the FA Cup final has resulted in two Premier League fixtures being moved. “Palace and Man City were due to play their respective home matches against Wolverhampton Wanderers and AFC Bournemouth on Sunday 18 May. “But due to their involvement in the FA Cup final on Saturday 17 May, these fixtures have now been moved back to Tuesday 20 May instead. ” talk SPORT will have coverage of the game presented by Hugh Woozencroft. Commentary will come from Sam Matterface and former England defender Micky Gray. To tune in to talk SPORT through the website, click HERE for the live stream. Listen via the talk SPORT app here, or on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM. Visit talk SPORT BET for all the latest odds and bet boosts. The game will also be broadcast live on Sky Sports. Kevin De Bruyne will surely start in his last ever home game for Man City, sitting in behind Erling Haaland. Meanwhile, Phil Foden is hoping to return to the team after being dropped for the FA Cup final, along with Rico Lewis. Mateo Kovacic has picked up a knock, and he could remain with Rodri, John Stones and Nathan Ake on the sidelines. As for Bournemouth, Dean Huijsen will still feature despite his move to Real Madrid already being announced. Alex Scott, Dango Ouattara, Ryan Christie, Luis Sinisterra and Enes Unal are all set to miss out through injuries. De Bruyne will bring an end to 10 years of playing at the Etihad on Tuesday night against Bournemouth. It’s going to be an emotional evening, with post-match tributes set to take place as he says goodbye to the Man City fans. Manager Guardiola has spoken on De Bruyne, saying: “Kevin wants us to win the game to qualify for the Champions League next season. “This is what Kevin wants. It could not be otherwise. “Kevin will get or deserve what he deserves. That is the best moment and best compliment for his incredible trajectory and what he has done. “I have said many times, without him and the other incredible other legends in the club it would not be possible what we have done these many, many years since Sheikh Mansour took over this club and run this club to reach another level. ” © 2025 talk SPORT Limited
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